How Does It Work?

Who’s Doing The Shooting?

It usually falls into one of several familiar scenarios.

THE SPECIALIST - The designer might hire a pro photographer who specializes in architecture. These shooters (like me) have some very architecture specific shooting and processing techniques. However, true high-end architectural specialists are few and far between and they can be an especially pricey if you have to cover travel fees.

THE PRO - The designer might hire a local commercial photographer who shoots people and products as well as architecture. Even though they may not be up on architecture specific techniques, this can work out quite well since he or she will be proficient with their camera, they will bring photography skills that come from experience, and they usually know what it means to deliver a professional product.

Those architectural specific techniques that I keep talking about, are part of what I bring to this sort of collaboration. I offer to the shooter my “Super Double Secret Shooting Technique“, which is designed to capture the data that I need for my special editing techniques. Actually, I’ve worked with photographers who are happy to learn my shooting techniques, and will actually offer a lower price if they don’t have to do any post processing at all.

THE FRIEND - Another option for designers that seems to be popular is to work with a family member, friend, or colleague who is into Photography and has a decent camera.

I have a lot of experience with non pro shooters, and I am constantly amazed at how good the photos can look. Anyone can use my special shooting technique, and in the end, the quality of the interior design actually makes the photos engaging.

THE SMART PHONE? - Seriously. This is starting to happen. The designer can actually do the shooting. The new phone cameras are delivering high-quality images and if the shooting is handled correctly, I can work with the files almost as if they were shot with a dedicated camera. The images look great.

There's lots more information about shooting with your smart phone here on my site. Shoot with your iPhone

Planning

There’s usually something be gained by letting me get involved before the actual shooting. Sometimes a designer will send me snapshots of the installation. These can be used to plan a strategy for the shoot.

The Photoshoot

The person behind the camera actually has two tasks. They must first frame the shot and create a composition that shows off the design elements of the space. This is the fun part. The art of the shooter.

The second task is data capture.

This is a simple process that gives me the most raw material to work with in the editing process. It usually involves shooting light to dark exposure sets, with all the lights on and then again with all the lights turned off. That’s the basic starting point for “Chuck's Super Double Secret Shooting Technique.“ OK, it's not that secret. Check it out.

Chuck's Super Double Secret Shooting Technique

I try to support the photographer in any way that I can, often with extended telephone conversations. Sometimes even during the photo shoot.

Sending Me The Big Files

There are several good ways to transfer large files. I highly recommend Dropbox. Once you get it installed, it’s completely effortless for the user. I can help you set up a free account, and then you just throw the files in a folder on your computer, and they show up in a folder on my computer. Easy Peezy.

When I get your files, I can post unedited versions on my website. Then we can view them together and decide how to approach the editing.

Your Online Image Galleries

When the editing process is complete, the finished images are posted for client approval. Then they remain on your custom, password-protected, web gallery where you can view, share and download them.

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